Strength training treadmill

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a treadmill and any one of a coaching appliance, one or two hand grip mechanisms attached to a rear of the treadmill, and a vertical member with plural hooks attached to the vertical member. Each hook is located on the first vertical member so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training. The coaching appliance includes either an audio-video appliance or an audio appliance. The audio-video appliance includes a video display screen, an audio speaker and an audio-video player capable of displaying a prerecorded coaching session on the video display screen and the audio speaker. The audio appliance includes an audio speaker and an audio player capable of playing a prerecorded coaching session on the audio speaker.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/623,770 filed Nov. 1, 2004 which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and methods of exercising. In particular, the invention relates to methods and equipment for a total workout that involves both aerobic and strength training.

2. Description of Related Art

Operators using conventional treadmills receive a cardiovascular aerobic workout without much in the way of strength training. The degree of exercise in aerobic workout is often measured by the operator's elevated heart pulse rate above a rest rate, all adjusted according to the operator's age. On the other hand, strength training has many advantages that work to complement a conventional treadmill workout. With strength training, the operator's heart pulse rate may be elevated, but seldom into the “fat burning” or “aerobic” ranges. However, building muscle mass through strength training has the benefit of increasing the rest metabolism of the operator so as to burn increased calories even during non-exercise periods.

For strength training, operators conventionally use many diverse strength training machines. For example, one training machine may build strength in the operator's legs, while another machine may build strength in the operator's arms and shoulders. A conventional “universal machine” is reconfigurable to focus on one portion of the operator's body, then after being reconfigured, to focus on another portion of the operator's body. Even though reconfiguration of a universal machine may be designed to be convenient and quick, attention is not paid to being so quick that the heart rate does not significantly diminish during the reconfiguration.

What is needed is a single machine that provides both strength training opportunities of all, or at least most, muscle groups while also having the capability of providing aerobic exercise, all within the context of an integrated exercise program that exercises the total body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention improves the state of the art by providing a single exercise apparatus that can support both strength training and aerobic training, and can be configured sufficiently quickly that an operator's heart pulse rate does not have time to significantly cool down during reconfiguration.

In a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus includes a treadmill, and one or two hand grip mechanisms attached to a rear of the treadmill.

In a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus includes a treadmill having at least one vertical member and a first plurality of hooks attached to a first vertical member of the at least one vertical member. Each hook is located on the first vertical member so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training.

In a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus includes a treadmill and a coaching appliance. The coaching appliance includes either an audio-video appliance or an audio appliance. The audio-video appliance includes a video display screen, an audio speaker and an audio-video player capable of displaying a prerecorded coaching session on the video display screen and the audio speaker. The audio appliance includes an audio speaker and an audio player capable of playing a prerecorded coaching session on the audio speaker.

In an embodiment of a method of providing strength and aerobic training to an operator according to the invention, the method includes moving a tread of a treadmill, and exhibiting instructions for any of (1) a simultaneous strength and aerobic training period, (2) alternating a strength training period and an aerobic training period, or (3) both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in detail in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand grip mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary exercise apparatus 1 according to the invention includes a basic treadmill 10 (FIG. 1) having a moveable tread 20 that is capable of moving from the front 16 to the rear 18 of the treadmill. Treadmill 10 further includes vertical members 12, 13 onto which is attached a deck 14. Vertical members 12, 13 are not limited to strictly vertical members or even straight members. Vertical members 12, 13 simply provide support extending from the base of the treadmill to the deck 14. The basic treadmill may be augmented with features such as a water bottle holder 22 and other holders 24 capable of holding, for example, reading material. The apparatus 1 may also be supplied with an exercise mat 30 as will be beneficially employed by an operator who uses apparatus 1 for both strength training and aerobic training. For example, the exercise mat 30 may be advantageously used for strength training of an abdominal muscle group.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, apparatus 1 includes a treadmill 10, and one or two hand grip mechanisms 110 attached to a rear 18 of the treadmill. In a typical use, the hand grip mechanism 110 enables an operator to quickly dismount from aerobic activity on the tread of the treadmill and begin strength training activities using the hand grip mechanism for pushups. The quickness with which the hand grip mechanism can be erected and exercise begun is such that the operator's heart pulse rate does not significantly slow down during the time that the hand grip mechanism is erected and locked in place.

In a first variant of the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, each hand grip mechanism 110 includes a hand grip 112, and a vertical mechanism 114. Vertical mechanism 114 is capable of telescoping in a direction 116 to adjust a distance between the hand grip 112 and a floor under the treadmill 10. Vertical mechanism 114 includes a vertical locking mechanism capable of locking the distance between the hand grip and the floor at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances, for example as depicted at 118, 120, 122. The adjustable vertical locations of the hand grips 112 together with the vertical locking mechanism enable the degree of difficulty of pushups to be altered to adjust for differing levels of fitness. Preferably, but not necessarily, the vertical locking mechanism includes any of a bayonet type connector, a pin inserted through a hole, a latching or other equivalent mechanism.

In a first example of the first variant of the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the hand grip mechanism 110 is capable of rotating as depicted at 124 to adjust a rotary orientation of the hand grip 112. Each hand grip mechanism 110 further includes a rotary locking mechanism capable of locking the orientation of the hand grip at any of a plurality of predetermined orientations as depicted at 126, 128. The rotary orientations of the hand grips 112 together with the rotary locking mechanism enable the hand grips to be placed in a stowed orientation as depicted at 128 or placed in an operable orientation as depicted at 126. The stowed position permits safer operation of the treadmill against a tripping hazard, and the operable orientation 126 enables the operator to do pushups. Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotary locking mechanism includes a pin through a hole, a latching or an equivalent mechanism.

In a second variant of the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, each hand grip mechanism 110 includes a hand grip 112 capable of being rotated as depicted at 124 to adjust a rotary orientation of the hand grip. Each hand grip mechanism 110 further includes a rotary locking mechanism capable of locking the orientation of the hand grip at any of a plurality of predetermined orientations as depicted at 126, 128. The rotary orientations of the hand grips 112 together with the rotary locking mechanism enable the hand grips to be placed in a stowed orientation as depicted at 128 or placed in an operable orientation as depicted at 126. The stowed position permits safer operation of the treadmill against a tripping hazard, and the operable orientation 126 enables the operator to do pushups. Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotary locking mechanism includes a pin through a hole, a latching or an equivalent mechanism.

In a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, an apparatus 1 includes a treadmill 10 having at least one vertical member depicted as either 12 or 13. The apparatus further includes a first plurality of hooks 142, 144, 146 attached to a first vertical member 12 of the at least one vertical member. Each hook is located on the first vertical member 12 so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band 140 that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training. The resistance bands are formed of resilient material and behave as a very large rubber band used in the stationery trade. The resistance bands are hooked around a hook on the apparatus and around a limb (e.g., wrist or ankle) of the operator and stretched. The resistance band asserts tension on the effected limb.

In a first variant of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, a first hook 142 of the first plurality of hooks is located on the first vertical member 12 so as to be capable of hooking the resistance band 140 that is to be stretched by the operator between the first hook and an ankle of the operator undergoing resistance training. The first hook is located so that the resistance band is stretched in a direction that provides tension at an angle preferred for exercising leg muscles. A second hook 144 of the first plurality of hooks is located on the first vertical member 12 so as to be capable of hooking the resistance band 140 that is to be stretched by the operator between the second hook and a wrist of the operator undergoing resistance training. The second hook is located so that the resistance band is stretched in a direction that provides tension at an angle preferred for exercising arm muscles. The resistance band is designed to stretch in a direction extending parallel to the direction extending from the front 16 to the rear 18 of treadmill 10, and the resulting tension on the body part is exerted in a direction parallel to the direction extending from the rear 18 to the front 16 of treadmill 10. Since individual operators using the apparatus may vary in height, since individual fitness programs may require a variety of different angles for the application of tension, and since individual fitness programs may require that different body parts be exercises, the plurality of hooks are located on the vertical member at several different distances above the floor under the treadmill. A sufficient number of hooks may be positioned to extend over a vertical extent so that the difference in the height of adjacent hooks is small enough that the adequate exercise design flexibility is provided and an adequate range of angles are available for designing exercises for most operators.

In a second variant of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus further includes a second plurality of hooks 143, 145, 147 attached to a second vertical member 13 of the at least one vertical member. Each hook of the second plurality of hooks is located on the second vertical member so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training.

In a third variant of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, each of the first plurality of hooks 142, 144, 146 includes a hinge mechanism attaching the corresponding hook to the first vertical member. Each hinge mechanism is capable of permitting a hook range of movement 148 so that the hook may be positioned in at least a stowed position and an operable position. The stowed position permits safer operation of the treadmill against hazards caused by snagging the operator's clothing or the operator's skin, and the operable orientation 126 enables the operator to do resistance training. In many configurations, the operator can do resistance training while performing aerobic exercise. For example, with the tread 20 of treadmill 10 moving at a speed for aerobic exercise, the operator may connect resistance bands between hooks and his/her wrists or held in the operator's hand to give arms resistance exercise while the tread is moving.

In a first example of the third variant of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, each hinge mechanism further includes a locking mechanism to lock the hook in one of the stowed position and the operable position. Preferably, but not necessarily, the locking mechanism includes a detent, spring latch, a resilient member or other equivalent locking mechanism to hold the hook in either the stowed or operable position.

In a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, an apparatus includes a treadmill 10 and a coaching appliance. The coaching appliance includes either an audio-video appliance or an audio appliance. The audio-video appliance includes a video display screen 172, an audio speaker 174, 176 and an audio-video player 170 capable of displaying a prerecorded coaching session on the video display screen and the audio speaker. The audio-video appliance may include any of a DVD player system, a video tape playing system, a computer system or any equivalent system capable of displaying images and audio tracks of the coaching session. The audio appliance includes an audio speaker 174, 176 and an audio player 170 capable of playing a prerecorded coaching session on the audio speaker. The audio appliance may include any of an audio tape playing system, a CD playing system, a computer system or any equivalent system capable of playing audio tracks of the coaching session. The speaker may be single track or stereo speakers 176, or the speaker might be used herein to refer to earphones or headset 174. The earphones or headset may be used when it is desired that the operator avoid disturbing others who may be near the apparatus.

In a first variant of the third embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the coaching appliance is the audio-video appliance, the audio-video player is a DVD player, and the video display screen is either a cathode ray tube display or a flat panel display.

In a second variant of the third embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus further includes a plurality of hand weights. The hand weights vary in size.

In an embodiment of a method of providing strength and aerobic training to an operator according to the invention, the method includes moving a tread 20 of a treadmill 10, and exhibiting instructions for any of (1) a simultaneous strength and aerobic training period, (2) alternating a strength training period and an aerobic training period, or (3) both. The simultaneous strength and aerobic training period provides the operator, on a single apparatus, the opportunity to build muscle mass through strength training while at the same time performing cardio-vascular aerobic exercise. The alternating periods for strength training and aerobic training provides the operator, on a single apparatus, the opportunity to quickly switch to muscle mass building strength training immediately after performing cardiovascular aerobic exercise before the heart pulse rate has a chance to slow down. These features afford the operator with a timewise efficient exercise program.

In a first variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the exhibiting of instructions includes either playing audio instructions or displaying audio-visual instructions.

In a second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method includes exhibiting instructions for the simultaneous strength and aerobic training period, and performing either stretching resistance bands while moving the tread or positioning free weights in hands of the operator while moving the tread.

In a first example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the act of performing includes the stretching of the resistance bands, and the act of stretching the resistance bands stretches the resistance bands while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength training and aerobic training. The stretching resistance bands provides strength training on certain muscle groups while performing aerobic training on the tread of the treadmill.

In a first alternative to the first example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes ceasing the stretching of the resistance bands, and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training. The operator dismounts from the treadmill, and then from a stance on the floor, quickly erects and locks the hand grip mechanisms and commences pushups before the operators heart pulse rate has had time to significantly reduce. In this way, the heart rate can remain in the aerobic range, or nearly in the aerobic range, while the operator performs other strength training exercise.

In a second alternative of the first example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes ceasing the stretching of the resistance bands, and positioning free weights in hands of the operator while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training. The instructions exhibited may include demonstrations of holding, or instructions to hold, the weights in front of, behind, to the side of, and overhead of the operator. The operator continues to maintain aerobic training due to the running of the treadmill, but in addition, the operator switches from strength training on the muscle groups associated with the resistance bands to strength training on the muscle groups associated with the various positions of the free weights. The free weights are kept close at hand so that the operator seamlessly makes the change.

In this way, all upper body muscle groups can be subjected to strength training. The upper body muscle groups including at least the muscle groups associated with any of the free weights, the resistance bands and pushups.

In a second example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the act of performing includes the positioning free weights in hands of the operator, and the act of positioning the free weights provides strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength and aerobic training.

In a first alternative to the second example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes ceasing the positioning of free weights, and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training.

In a second alternative to the second example of the second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes ceasing the positioning of free weights, the performing further includes the stretching of the resistance bands, and the act of stretching the resistance bands stretches the resistance bands while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength training and aerobic training.

In a third variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method includes exhibiting instructions for alternating a strength training period and an aerobic training period, and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training.

Having described preferred embodiments of a novel strength training treadmill and method of using same (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/623,770, filed Nov. 1, 2004, are incorporated by reference herein.

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a treadmill; and plural hand grip mechanisms attached to a rear of the treadmill.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each hand grip mechanism includes: a hand grip; and a vertical mechanism capable of telescoping in a direction to adjust a distance between the hand grip and a floor under the treadmill, wherein the vertical mechanism includes a vertical locking mechanism capable of locking the distance between the hand grip and the floor at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the hand grip mechanism is capable of rotating to adjust a rotary orientation of the hand grip; and each hand grip mechanism further includes a rotary locking mechanism capable of locking the orientation of the hand grip at any of a plurality of predetermined orientations.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each hand grip mechanism includes: a hand grip capable of being rotated to adjust a rotary orientation of the hand grip; and a rotary locking mechanism capable of locking the orientation of the hand grip at any of a plurality of predetermined orientations.
 5. An apparatus comprising: a treadmill having at least one vertical member; and a first plurality of hooks attached to a first vertical member of the at least one vertical member, wherein each hook is located on the first vertical member so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: a first hook of the first plurality of hooks is located on the first vertical member so as to be capable of hooking the resistance band that is to be stretched by the operator between the first hook and an ankle of the operator undergoing resistance training, the first hook being located so that the resistance band is stretched in a direction that provides tension at an angle preferred for exercising leg muscles; and a second hook of the first plurality of hooks is located on the first vertical member so as to be capable of hooking the resistance band that is to be stretched by the operator between the second hook and a wrist of the operator undergoing resistance training, the second hook being located so that the resistance band is stretched in a direction that provides tension at an angle preferred for exercising arm muscles.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising a second plurality of hooks attached to a second vertical member of the at least one vertical member, wherein each hook of the second plurality of hooks is located on the second vertical member so as to be capable of hooking a resistance band that is to be stretched by an operator between the corresponding hook and a part of the operator undergoing resistance training.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: each of the first plurality of hooks includes a hinge mechanism attaching the corresponding hook to the first vertical member; and each hinge mechanism being capable of permitting a hook range of movement so that the hook may be positioned in at least a stowed position and an operable position.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each hinge mechanism further includes a locking mechanism to lock the hook in one of the stowed position and the operable position.
 10. An apparatus comprising a treadmill and a coaching appliance, wherein the coaching appliance includes one of: an audio-video appliance that includes a video display screen, an audio speaker and an audio-video player capable of displaying a prerecorded coaching session on the video display screen and the audio speaker; and an audio appliance that includes an audio speaker and an audio player capable of playing a prerecorded coaching session on the audio speaker.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: the coaching appliance is the audio-video appliance; the audio-video player is a DVD player; and the video display screen is one of a cathode ray tube display and a flat panel display.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of hand weights, wherein the hand weights vary in size.
 13. A method of providing strength and aerobic training to an operator comprising: moving a tread of a treadmill; and exhibiting instructions for at least one of a simultaneous strength and aerobic training period, and alternating a strength training period and an aerobic training period.
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the exhibiting of instructions includes one of playing audio instructions and displaying audio-visual instructions.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein: the method includes exhibiting instructions for the simultaneous strength and aerobic training period; and the method further includes performing one of stretching resistance bands while moving the tread and positioning free weights in hands of the operator while moving the tread.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein: the performing includes the stretching of the resistance bands; and the act of stretching the resistance bands stretches the resistance bands while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength training and aerobic training.
 17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: ceasing the stretching of the resistance bands; and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training.
 18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: ceasing the stretching of the resistance bands; and positioning free weights in hands of the operator while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training.
 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein: the performing includes the positioning free weights in hands of the operator; and the act of positioning the free weights provides strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength and aerobic training.
 20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising: ceasing the positioning of free weights; and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training.
 21. A method according to claim 19, further comprising: ceasing the positioning of free weights; the performing further includes the stretching of the resistance bands; and the act of stretching the resistance bands stretches the resistance bands while moving the tread to provide strength training to the operator while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for both strength training and aerobic training.
 22. A method according to claim 13, wherein: the method includes exhibiting instructions for alternating a strength training period and an aerobic training period; and erecting and locking hand grip mechanisms in a position to support the operator doing pushups from a dismounted position while the exhibiting of instructions exhibits instructions for strength training. 